Newsletter Number 55 November 2008
BSO Meetings and Field Trips 9 November, Sunday 9:00 am. Field trip to Ross Creek. Brian Heenan would like some help getting a baseline species list, and would like it even better if we would take up Brian Molloy's challenge, and adopt Ross Creek as our own ‘Riccarton Bush’ project. Depart Botany Carpark, at 9 am, or meet at the end of Cannington Road at 9:30 a.m. Leader Brian Heenan. Contact Allison Knight, [email protected], phone: (03) 479 7577.
19 November, Wednesday 5:20 pm. Scented for success - investigating the role of floral fragrance in a NZ alpine plant community. A talk by Mascha Bischoff. Floral fragrances are a vital part of the display that flowers use to attract pollinators yet they are difficult to quantify. Only recently it has become feasible to measure the scent of flowers in the field. Here I would like to present findings from a community survey of alpine flowers in the Remarkables. Those scent samples travelled around the world with me, first to South Africa for analysis and then on to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, US, where I started a community survey of a continental alpine plant community. So I would like to share my journey and the beautiful plants I encountered along the way. See page 2 for meeting details.
19 November, Wednesday 7:30 pm. End of year dinner. At Nanking Palace Chinese Restaurant (198 King Edward Street, South Dunedin) after Mascha’s talk. All welcome! RSVP to Robyn Bridges, [email protected], phone (03) 479 8244 by 18 November 2008.
13-14 December, Sat-Sun trip. Weekend trip to St Marys Range. The St Marys Range in North Otago is very interesting botanically. It is a region of transition between the greywacke mountains of Canterbury and the schist terrain that is more typical of Central Otago. Many alpines reach there southern limits here and there seems to be a considerable amount of local biodiversity within the
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region. We hope to see a variety of scree plants including Hebe epacridea, Leptinella atrata, Aciphylla dobsonii, Raoulia youngii, Stellaria roughii and the recently described Ranunculus acraeus. We will be accompanied by Hugh Wood of Oamaru who has been visiting the area for many years and is very familiar with the flora. We will leave Dunedin early on Saturday 13th, drive to Kurow and then proceed to the Awakino ski field where we will stay at the ski lodge huts. There is an option of travelling up earlier on Friday 12th and staying two nights. We will be able to botanize when we arrive, and again on Sunday 14th when we will return to Dunedin. The cost of accommodation for the night will be $20.00. Individuals are responsible for organizing their own food. To finalize numbers and assist with organizing transport please get in touch with David Lyttle phone (03) 454 5470 email [email protected].
6 March 2009, Friday 12 noon - 2:00 pm. Free BSO BBQ. BBQ to welcome new botany/ecology students and new BSO members. At the front lawn, Botany House Annex, Great King Street (across the road from the main Botany building). Sausage sandwiches and drinks provided free by the Botanical Society of Otago. All BSO members welcome! Contact David Orlovich, [email protected], phone (03) 479 9060.
Meeting details: Talks are usually on Wednesday evening, starting at 5.20 pm with drinks and nibbles (gold coin donation), unless otherwise advertised. Venue is the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Room 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt, as we have to hold the door open. Items of botanical interest for our buy, sell and share table are always appreciated. When enough people are feeling sociable we go out to dinner afterwards - everyone is welcome to join in. Talks usually finish around 6.30 pm, keen discussion might continue till 7 pm.
Field trip details: Field trips leave from Botany car park 464 Great King Street, unless otherwise advertised. Meet there to car pool (10c/km/passenger, to be paid to the driver, please). 50% student discount now available on all trips! Please contact the trip leader before Friday for trips with special transport, and by Wednesday for full weekend trips. A hand lens and field guides always add to the interest. It is the responsibility of each person to stay in contact with the group and to bring sufficient food, drink and outdoor gear to cope with changeable weather conditions. Bring appropriate personal medication, including anti-histamine for allergies. Note trip guidelines on the BSO web site: http://www.botany.otago.ac.nz/bso/ November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 3
Contents
BSO MEETINGS AND FIELD TRIPS...... 1 CONTENTS...... 3 CHAIRMAN’S NOTES...... 4 EDITOR’S NOTES...... 4 CORRESPONDENCE AND NEWS ...... 5 BSO AUDREY EAGLE BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION COMPETITION 2008...... 5 RARE PLANTS WANTED FOR OROKONUI!...... 5 BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF OTAGO 2009 CALENDAR AVAILABLE WHILE STOCKS LAST! .6 OLYMPIC MEDAL FOR LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION IN LICHENOLOGY! BILL LEE ...... 6 GIANT SEQUOIA INFORMATION WANTED...... 8 URBAN RESTORATION...... 8 KEY TO THE PLANTS OF THE TRACK FROM PIGEON FLAT TO LEITH SADDLE JOHN STEEL ...... 9 ARTICLES ...... 12 WHERE IN NEW ZEALAND IS THE HIGHEST DIVERSITY OF THREATENED PLANTS? MIKE THORSEN ...... 12 A NEW RECORD FOR TRIGLOCHIN PALUSTRIS IN THE SHOTOVER VALLEY NEILL SIMPSON ...... 18 MEETING AND TRIP REPORTS ...... 20 BULL CREEK, 23 AUGUST 2008 BRADLEY CURNOW...... 20 SPECIES LIST – BULL CREEK RESERVE JOHN STEEL ...... 21 FIELD TRIP TO FLAX COLLECTION AT DUNEDIN BOTANIC GARDENS HELEN CLARKE 23 TALK BY DR LISA RUSSELL ON THE EXPANDING RANGE OF UNDARIA IN SOUTHERN NEW ZEALAND ...... 26 TRIP REPORT ALLISON KNIGHT ...... 27 REIDPATH ROAD BOG JOHN STEEL...... 28 THE FLORA OF THE FORTIES AND FIFTIES MOIRA PARKER ...... 30
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Chairman’s Notes John Barkla The highly variable weather caused a There are still a few exciting trips and few last minute changes and talks, which I encourage you to take uncertainties for field trips but in the advantage of before the year finally end all trips went ahead and some even closes in. In particular note the got fine weather! weekend trip in December to the Awakino Skifield on the St Marys By all accounts Brian Molloy gave a Range. With luck our timing will be stimulating and thoughtful Baylis good for seeing those extraordinary Lecture that was well appreciated by a alpine scree plants in flower. large audience. I hear there was a good turnout to the restaurant dinner that Mascha Bishoff will also be sticking followed too. with an alpine theme with her upcoming talk on the role of floral Hopefully you all know about the fragrance in a NZ alpine plant Society’s 2009 calendar and have, or community. After her talk there’s a are about to, purchase a copy or two. chance to socialise over the “End of We’ve had some great feedback about Year” dinner at the Nanking Palace. It the pleasing mix of landscape and plant would be good to see you there. portraits so spread the word and encourage your friends and colleagues to purchase copies as well.
Editor’s Notes David Orlovich Welcome to BSO Newsletter No. 55! preferred. Please send photos as Thanks very much to John Barkla for separate files (not embedded in Word editing the last Newsletter while I was documents) and remember to include recovering from my hospital stay. photo captions and credits. Please submit copy for next newsletter by 30 January 2009. Disclaimer: The views published in this newsletter reflect the views of the Editor’s guidelines: Contributions are individual authors, and are not always welcome. Authors don’t need to necessarily the views of the Botanical format their submission, but try to aim Society of Otago, nor do they for a 0.5 – 1 page of 14 pt Times for necessarily reflect the views of the news, trip/meeting reports and book Department of Botany, University of reviews, and 1 – 5 pages, including Otago, which is supportive of, but illustrations, for other articles. separate from, our society. Publishing Electronic submission (by email to the of advertisements does not necessarily editor: [email protected]) is imply endorsement by this Society.
November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 5
Correspondence and News BSO Audrey Eagle Botanical Illustration Competition 2008 Hearty congratulations to this year’s Mulholland. The three prize-winning competition winners: first prize to drawings are reproduced in this issue Helen Nutt, second prize to Emma of the Newsletter. Shaw, and third prize to Polly
Botanical Illustration Competition 2008 winner Helen Nutt: Quince. Cydonia oblonga has been studied through the four seasons in my sheltered garden on the Port Hills of Christchurch. From winter dormancy - to leaf bud - to blossom petal fall - to the ripening fruit. The fruit and plant detail have been accurately measured and drawn true to size. I have endeavoured to capture the wonderful translucent yellow of the quince and illustrated the growth from blossom to mature fruit. As a botanical artist the completed work is scientifically accurate in detail, form, growth habits and true to species.
Rare plants wanted for Orokonui! The Orokonui Ecosanctuary is some are required in large numbers so establishing an area to highlight every plant is helpful. It is also Otago's rare plant species. We are important that the provenance of the trying to source the following plants, plant is known. Several members have 6 BSO Newsletter 55 November 2008 already made donations of plants or Gingidia grisea seed, for which the Sanctuary is most Melicytus flexuosus appreciative. Olearia hectorii Olearia lineata PLANTS WE ARE LOOKING FOR Pseudopanax ferox Acaena microphylla var Simplicia laxa pauciglochidiata Uncinia strictissima Carex inopinata Carex raoulii If anyone can help please contact Carmichaelia kirkii Valerie Fay by phoning (03) 482 2806 Celmisia hookeri or email mikeandvalfay@paradise. Coprosma intertexta net.nz
Botanical Society of Otago 2009 Calendar available while stocks last! The 2009 BSO Calendar is available 6214, Dunedin 9059; for $15.00 plus for purchase. This beautiful calendar $1.50 (Standard) or $2.00 (FastPost) has photographs from the 2008 BSO postage if required, per calendar, or Photography Competition. These are multiples of two. Cheques payable to essential Christmas presents for the the Botanical Society of Otago. Save discerning botanist and friends! postage and purchase them in person from Trish Fleming, Dept of Botany, Calenders available from Lyn Bentley: University of Otago, 464 Great King [email protected]; (03) 453 6542; or Street, North Dunedin, or at one of our c/- Botanical Society of Otago, PO Box talks.
Olympic Medal for Lifetime Contribution in Lichenology! Bill Lee David Galloway was recently honored past-President of the IAL, and by the International Association for numerous publications on the historical Lichenology (IAL) at their July 2008 and taxonomic aspects of lichens conference in California with the award around the world, are perhaps less of the Acharius Medal for outstanding widely appreciated here. research in the field of lichenology. Acknowledging his stature, Bibliotheca Named after Erik Acharius (1757– Lichenologica published a Festschrift 1819), a Swedish botanist who in 2007 (Lichenological Contributions pioneered the taxonomy of lichens, the in Honour of David Galloway) in Acharius Medal is given to which many colleagues and friends distinguished researchers for their life- contributed papers on the diverse time contribution to the field of aspects of lichenology. Congratulations lichenology. While we are well aware David, and thanks for sharing your of David’s biosystematic contributions insights, enthusiasm, and extensive to understanding lichens in New knowledge of lichens with us. Zealand, his work internationally, as November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 7
Dr David Galloway, proudly holding the Acharius Medal and a picture of Acharius. Photo by David Orlovich. 8 BSO Newsletter 55 November 2008
Giant Sequoia information wanted Wyn Jones (wyn.jones@stonebow. St Margaret’s. The two on North otago.ac.nz) writes: I would like any Ground may be the same age? I would information on the history of the very like to know when they were planted, old Sequoiadendron giganteum by whom and where the plants came (Wellingtonia, Giant Sequoia) on from? Campus, growing outside Unicol and
Urban Restoration The University of Waikato’s Urban We would like your help, and ask that Restoration team is conducting FRST if you would like to complete this funded research comparing levels of survey please contact Chrissen genetic variation in out-planted, eco- Gemmill, details below. All answers sourced plants to levels of genetic will be kept confidential and neither variation within natural populations you nor your answers will be across the Waikato Basin. The results personally identified. of this work will inform, from a genetic perspective, on the success of current We appreciate your help with the eco-sourcing practices and provide research very much. We will send out some estimates of genetic variation the results of the survey to all of you over geographic distance (how local is that participate. Please don't hesitate to local?). This information then would be contact me directly should you have used in conjunction with logistical any questions. And please feel free to considerations on how best to collect pass this on to others that might be wild seeds for the purpose of interested. restoration/rehabilitation, as well as Dr. Chrissen Gemmill and the Urban conservation, programs. Eco-sourcing Team As part of our research, we are Centre of Biodiversity and Ecology conducting an electronic survey Research (CBER) seeking to understand what people in Department of Biological Sciences the wider community think and know Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato about eco-sourcing. The survey is University of Waikato aimed at those people who collect Private Bag 3105, seeds (e.g., nurseries), those who use Hamilton native plants in restoration (e.g., community groups) and for those who Email: [email protected] provide advice on native plantings Office: +64 7 838 4053 (e.g., consultants). Mobile: 021 0507 481
November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 9
Key to the plants of the track from Pigeon Flat to Leith Saddle John Steel Over the past few years I have been from the BSO website (see the compiling a key to the vascular plants Downloads section of the web site). If that can be seen from the track leading anyone cares to try it out when visiting from Pigeon Flat to the summit of the area, I would appreciate any further Swampy Spur. I have been inflicting feedback as well as any new species this key on students on their trips to the they come across. Some work still area and acknowledge their help in needs to be done on the Coprosma refining it. I have used only vegetative species and the grasses and any characters and have incorporated comments there would be welcomed. solutions to those problems students have encountered when using it. The http://www.botany.otago.ac.nz/bso/ key is now available for download downloads.php
BSO Drawing Competition 2008 Third Prize: Polly Mulholland. I drew the kowhai on the 27th of August last year, and it was flowering on the hillside above our cottage in Burkes. I guess what drew my eye to it was the way the flowers were so pronouncedly curved into the shrub centre and away from the browsing beaks of pigeons (who seemed to be onto the ruse anyway). For most of my botanicals I use a combination of watercolour washes and coloured pencils for the detail. 10 BSO Newsletter 55 November 2008
BSO Drawing Competition 2008 Second Prize winner Emma Shaw’s drawing of Dacrymyces lacrymalis November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 11
12 BSO Newsletter 55 November 2008
Articles Where in New Zealand is the highest diversity of threatened plants? Mike Thorsen If you automatically thought the are elsewhere in Central Otago) to Surville Cliffs or North West Nelson underneath rock overhangs, which are you may be wrong. During the past possibly acting as a forest/shrubland three years I have collected records surrogates. The area is a mix of DOC from botanical explorations of Scenic Reserves and Conservation threatened or uncommon plants present Covenants and private land. Plant at a site known locally as Macraes. species diversity at Macraes is also This list is now extensive and contains very high, with 350 native species and 84 species with 6 Acutely Threatened, 84 exotic species recorded from the 9 Chronically Threatened, 21 At Risk, site. 15 Regionally Significant and 32 Locally Notable taxa present. This is an This diversity at Macraes is probably a exceptional diversity of threatened result of the geographic placement and plants within a 3000 ha area, and I altitude of Macraes with representation believe this is the highest diversity of from dryland Central Otago species, threatened and uncommon plants of mesic eastern Otago lowland species, any area in New Zealand for its size – montane species, and a topography if you exclude sites that are very small with a diversity of landforms including fragments of formerly widespread shallowly-impounded ephemerally wet habitats (such as Pisa Flats which has areas on broad peneplain ridge tops and 14 Threatened or At Risk species in 25 deeply-incised drainages with a ha). plethora of rock outcropping. Another reason for the high diversity is the Macraes is situated 45 km north of number of botanists that have spent Dunedin, 25 km inland from the coast time in the area. Graeme Loh, Peter and ranges in altitude from 400 m to Johnson, Kate Wardle, James Bibby, 714 m a.s.l. The area under Graeme Jane, John Barkla, Peter de investigation consists of hybrid Lange, and myself have all spent time Chionochloa tussockland and short at this site and contributed species tussock grassland induced by Maori records. However, new records of and pastoralist clearance of the original native species are still being made - at semi-arid podocarp forest and small- a rate just under one species a day. leaved shrubland on ridge crests and the mesic broadleaf forest from Many of these threatened species have hillslopes and drainages. Only significant populations at the site, and remnants of these vegetation Macraes is a national stronghold for communities remain. 26 species, several species. However some of the thought to be shade-dependant species have declined dramatically. For shrubland- or forest-floor inhabitants, some species the reasons for this are now restricted at Macraes (as they decline are unknown, but for others November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 13
(particularly inhabitants of ephemeral diversity of threatened plants is one of wetlands) it is thought that regrowth of the criteria adopted by the NZPCN for taller (usually exotic) vegetation has judging whether an area qualifies as an swamped the smaller native species. Important Plant Area (IPA). I would This regrowth has occurred as a therefore like to formally propose consequence of excluding stock from Macraes as New Zealand’s third IPA. reserve areas by fencing. And then This is also a challenge to those that again fencing has benefited some shrub think they have a site that is as good as and tree species - an indication that (or even better?) than Macraes to techniques used for reserve nominate it to the NZPCN as an IPA. management have to be carefully considered. And before I forget, there are also two critically endangered skink species There are two species at Macraes that (grand and Otago skinks), a wealth of appear to be undescribed local archaeological sites including Maori endemics known only from Macraes. rock shelters, tool making sites, and These are a small Thelymitra orchid moa kill sites, remnants of early and an Uncinia hookgrass. European gold mining and pastoralism (including a sod wall that stretches for The wetland-transforming exotic rush 10’s of kilometres). All in all an Juncus subnodulosus and grass amazing place. Narduus stricta have very restricted distributions at Macraes and emphasis A thank you to John Barkla for must be given to their eradication here. humorously pointing out the flaws in Several woody weed species are this article. present than could transform some vegetation communities. These species List of threatened and uncommon are gorse Ulex europaeus, broom plants recorded from Macraes. Threat Cytisus scoparium, pine Pinus radiata, classifications follow de Lange et al. gooseberry Ribes uva-crispa, and elder (2004) except for the categories Sambucus nigra. Mouse-ear hawkweed Regionally Significant to denote Hieracium pilosella is ubiquitous, species that are rare in the Otago forming a distinct vegetation region, but not considered threatened community that contains surprising nationally, and Locally Notable to amounts of native species diversity. denote species that are rare or unusual Tussock hawkweed Hieracium for the Ecological District or Macraes praealtum is present in several environ. locations, but does not currently seem de Lange, P.J; Norton, D.A; Heenan, to be negatively impacting native plant P.B; Courtney, S.P; Molloy, B.P.J; communities. Ogle, C.C; Rance, B.D. 2004. Though the claim of New Zealand’s Threatened and uncommon plants of highest diversity of threatened plants at New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Macraes is deliberately provocative, Botany 42: 45-76. 14 BSO Newsletter 55 November 2008
Nationally Endangered
Cardamine (b) (CHR 312947; “Tarn”) Recorded by G. Loh from several ephemeral wetlands. Extinct at all of these. Discovered at one new site with c. 10 plants. In cultivation Crassula peduncularis In scattered ephemeral wetlands throughout
Myosotis pygmaea var. glauca Currently only known from c. 5 plants near Bog Pine. Was recorded by G. Loh from several sites but extinct at these now. Myosurus minimus subsp. novae- Currently only known from c. 5 ephemeral wetland sites at zelandiae Macraes. Was previously more common Chaerophyllum colensoi var. Seasonally inundated backwash gravels beside lower Deighton delicatulum (ex. Oreomyrrhis Creek at one site colensoi var. delicatula) Simplicia laxa Known from 24 sites at Macraes. National stronghold for this grass
Nationally Serious Decline
Olearia fimbriata One tree in lower Deighton Creek
Tetrachondra hamiltonii Known from 9 ephemeral wetlands. Status in some of these unknown Isolepis basilaris Known from 44 ephemeral wetlands. Declining in some, still abundant in others Nationally Gradual Decline
Carmichaelia crassicaulis subsp. Scattered individuals in south of area totalling c. 200 individuals. crassicaulis Regenerating in the absence of stock Epilobium chionanthum Scattered in marshy streams. Difficult to distinguish from E. macropus Gratiola concinna (ex. Gratiola nana) Known from 49 ephemeral wetlands. Declining in abundance in many of these Leptinella serrulata Known from 1 patch at Mandy’s Rock. Difficult to distinguish from L. pusilla which is scattered in area Deschampsia cespitosa Trig J wetlands. Scattered plants
Iphigenia novae-zelandiae Scattered populations throughout in heathland and Hieracium herbfield (small plants to 2 cm high) and rare in ephemeral wetlands (larger plants to 10 cm tall) Nationally Sparse
Coprosma intertexta Known from a small grove in Deighton Creek
Olearia lineata Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Lot’s Wife
Aciphylla subflabellata Scattered plants along stream banks and on Redbank Ridge
Anemone tenuicaulis Widely distributed in damper gullies throughout
Celmisia hookeri Rock faces on Redbank Ridge. One site on Trig J Ridge is southern limit for the species. Kirkianella novae-zelandiae f. novae- Known only from 2 sites in Nenthorn. This is the “normal” form of zelandiae Central Otago Myosotis aff. australis (AK 231051; Provisionally identified as this taxon. Known at Macraes from "small white")? several sites in the Emerald and Deighton Streams, usually in shade at the base of bluffs November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 15
Senecio dunedinensis Small group in overhang at Nenthorn
Carex berggrenii Previously Recorded (Wardle 1998) from Paddy’s Rock ephemeral wetland Carex tenuiculmis Reasonably common along stream margins throughout and wetlands on Trig J Ridge Uncinia elegans Overhang in Emerald Stream
Hymenochilus tanypodus (ex. Scattered colonies throughout Hieracium herbfield Pterostylis tanypoda) Hymenochilus tristis (ex. Pterostylis Rarer than the H. tanypodus. Scattered plants tristis) Botrychium australe A few depauperate plants at Falcon and Old Otagense Peninsula
Raoulia beauverdii s.s. Only known from one site above Old Otagense Peninsula
Nationally Data Deficient
Crassula mataikona Known from only two sites: Bog Pine and above Old Otagense Peninsula Lagenifera montana Known from 1 site in Wildlife Exclosure. This is one of few sites currently known for this species in NZ. Vittadinia australis agg. 1 plant on bluff in Nenthorn
Rytidosperma tenue? One site. Unconfirmed record
Carex allanii Known from several sites in Emerald Stream. One of only three localities known nationally for this enigmatic species Carex raoulii Overhang at base of bluff in Emerald Stream
Regionally Significant
Halocarpus bidwillii Known from one area only.
Phyllocladus alpinus Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Lot’s Wife.
Coprosma rubra Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Redbank Ridge.
Hypericum aff. japonicum agg. Known from a few ephemeral wetlands. (tarn)? Kirkianella aff. novae-zelandiae A glaucous plant of rock bluffs. Known from 3 sites along Emerald Stream (including 2 in Wildlife Exclosure). This taxon is currently only known from 3 localities in NZ (P. de Lange pers. comm.) Myosotis aff. australis (Tor; Known from 5 sites, 4 in the Wildlife Exclosure, 1 in Emerald Middlemarch) (M. “Lammerlaw”) Stream. An undescribed species known from rock tors at Macraes, Sutton, and on the Lammerlaw and Rock & Pillar Range. Rare and declining throughout its range Myosotis sp. undetermined (cf. M. An apparently distinct taxon known only from deeply shaded forsteri) overhangs at Macraes (6 sites) and near Sutton Pelargonium inodorum Known from 2 plants on tor above Emerald Stream. Rare in Otago (elsewhere only known from Stephensons Is.) Plantago spathulata subsp. Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Redbank. spathulata Deyeuxia quadrasita Known from 1 site. 16 BSO Newsletter 55 November 2008
Stenostachys gracilis Known from 2 bluffs in Wildlife Exclosure.
Carex c.f. dallii “Otago” Differs most obviously from C. dallii s.s. (a West Coast plant) in the wider spacing between spikelets. Known from scattered localities along stream margins at Macraes. Uncinia egmontiana Unconfirmed. Scattered plants in Emerald Stream in damp sites
Thelymitra aff. longifolia taxon indet. An orchid known only from Falcon and Wildlife areas at Macraes. Similar to a diminutive T. longifolia but single flower with an urceolate column Locally Notable
Podocarpus hallii Mainly scattered individuals. A grove exists amongst tors on the eastern end of Redbank Ridge. Rare in the E.D. Podocarpus nivalis Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Redbank Ridge. Rare in the E.D. Aristotelia fruticosa Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Redbank Gully. Rare in the E.D. Coprosma cheesemanii Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Redbank Ridge and Emerald Stream. Rare in the E.D. Coprosma cuneata Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Lot’s Wife. Rare in the E.D.
Coprosma pseudocuneata Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Lot’s Wife. Rare in the E.D.
Fuchsia excorticata 1 plant in Wildlife Exclosure.
Fuchsia perscandens Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Lot’s Wife. Rare in the E.D.
Helichrysum lanceolatum (ex. H. Known from 2 plants in the Emerald Stream aggregatum, H. glomeratum) Kunzea ericoides s.l. Known mainly from the Emerald Stream. Scattered plants elsewhere. Rare in the E.D. Melicope simplex Known from Trig J and Redbank Ridges. Rare in the E.D.
Myrsine divaricata Known from Trig J and Redbank Ridges. Rare in the E.D.
Olearia odorata A few plants at Nenthorn above lower Deighton Creek
Pseudopanax colensoi var. ternatus Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Lot’s Wife. Rare in the E.D.
Scandia geniculata In shrubland beside lower Deighton Creek. Rare in area.
Sophora microphylla 2 adults and 1 seedling in Nenthorn. Rare in Central Otago
Aciphylla glaucescens Around 6 plants at one site in Emerald Stream
Aciphylla scott-thomsonii 1 plant in Emerald Stream. Rare in area
Crassula sinclairii Known from few ephemeral wetlands
Elatine gratioloides Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from an ephemeral wetland at Nenthorn. Possibly now extinct. Uncommon in Otago Epilobium glabellum s.s. Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Waikouiti Stream. A dubious record Forstera tenella Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Lots Wife. Rare in E.D. November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 17
Galium sp. aff. perpusillum An inhabitant of ephemeral wetlands
Galium trilobum Known from one overhang. Probably more widespread in area
Mazus radicans Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Lots Wife. Rare in E.D.
Myosotis "pygmaea" agg. (form Part of a poorly resolved species complex. Known at Macraes from intermediate between "drucei" s.s. 5 sites in the lower Emerald Stream. and "pygmaea" s.s., Lvs green with brown base, nonwaxy, hairs c.1mm, Central Otago mid-altitude) Senecio glaucophyllus subsp. 2 plants on bluff in Wildlife Exclosure. Rare in Otago. discoideus Agrostis muscosa Scattered plants in Wildlife area. Rare in E.D.
Agrostis pallescens Previously recorded (Bibby 1997) from Bog Pine wetland. Rare in E.D. Chionochloa conspicua subsp. Previously recorded (Bruce 1988). Rare in area conspicua Oreobolus impar Noted near Bog Pine site, and at Turf Depression 3 by Wardle (1998), Paddys Rock (Wardle 1998) Rumex flexuosus Gully wetlands in Nenthorn Area. Rare in Otago
Schizeilema haastii var. Known from a few overhangs in Emerald Stream. Southern limit for cyanopetalum this taxon? Griselinia littoralis Spreading amongst tors on Redbank Ridge
Leptecophylla juniperina s.l. (ex. Known only from outcrops on Trig J Ridge Cyathodes juniperina) Raoulia parkii Only known from one site on the Nenthorn sod wall
Uncinia cf. rubra An apparently unique taxon restricted to the Macraes region. Distinguished by the greenish-red colouration, taller size, and rhizomatous habit
Trig J, Macraes, Photo by Mike Thorsen 18 BSO Newsletter 55 November 2008
A new record for Triglochin palustris in the Shotover Valley Neill Simpson Otago appears to be the stronghold for this had to be left to a second visit in the marsh arrow grass, Triglochin April with Geoff Rogers. Incidentally palutris L. (Juncaginaceae). Good Kay Eden, daughter of Lorraine and populations of this rare grass-like herb Arthur Borrell, the Branches owners have been recorded at Moke Lake, near for more than thirty years, can Queenstown and at Cairnmuir, above remember picking the arrowheads Clyde (Simpson 1995). In 2004 small while playing in this area as a child. populations were discovered in the The yards that contained the sheep Lindis Valley and Rees Valley (J. during mustering were nearby. Barkla pers. comm.). It has also been recorded from three sites in Canterbury, near Lakes Clearwater, Coleridge and Tekapo (Wilson & Given 1989) but may have disappeared from some or all of these sites. During a threatened plant survey of some Canterbury valleys in 2004 only one plant of Triglochin palustris was found, near Lake Tekapo (Simpson 2004). Earlier this year Joy Comrie found it at a new Canterbury site, on the edge of the Birchwood wetland in the Ahuriri Valley.
A good population was found in February 2008 near the stock bridge that crosses the Shotover River near the Sixteen Mile Creek on The Branches Station. While on a survey with Brian Molloy, I was attracted to small mound of the bright orange fruit of Nertera balfouriana growing in an extensive wetland. A formidable barbed wire fence protected this part of the wetland. Barbara, my wife persuaded me to find a way over the fence to photograph the Nertera fruit. With some difficulty I arrived and was amazed to find numerous stalks of Triglochin palustris with its distinctive arrowhead-like open capsules, growing on and around the Triglochin palustre closeup mound. I was so excited that I forgot to Shotover. Photo by John Barkla look at the extent of the population and November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 19
In the Threatened and uncommon delicatula? and Hydrocotyle novae- plants of New Zealand (de Lange et zelandiae var. montana. al.2004) Triglochin palustris is listed as Acutely Threatened – Nationally References Endangered. de Lange, P.J.; Norton, D.A.; Heenan, P.B.; Courtney, S.P.; Molloy, B.P.J.; At the Shotover site Triglochin Ogle, C.C.; Rance, B.D. Johnson, palustris is abundant and found all P.N.; Hichmough, R. 2004: along the edge of a winding wetland Threatened and uncommon plants of that flows along the foot of a higher New Zealand. New Zealand Journal river terrace not far from the Shotover of Botany 42: 45-76. River. It grows in the damp turf as well as in the water along the edge of the Simpson, N. 1995: A new site at Moke wetland. Associated plants include Lake, Queenstown and the Juncus acuminatus, Juncus articulatus, Cairnmuir site Revisited. New Eleocharis acuta, Carex berggrenii, Zealand Botanical Society Hydrocotyle hydrophila, Euchiton Newsletter 40: 9-10. polylepis, Potamogeton cheesemanii Simpson, N. 2004: Threatened and and Leptinella squalida. An adjacent uncommon plants of the Tasman, cushion bog contained Oreobolus Godley and Ahuriri Valleys. Project pectinatus, Euchiton lateralis, River Recovery Report 2004/01. Gaultheria parvula, Gonocarpus Department of Conservation, micranthus, Ranunculus foliosus, Twizel. Ranunculus sp., Chaerophyllum Wilson, C.M.; Given, D.R. 1989: (=Oreomyrrhis) colensoi var. Threatened Plants of New Zealand. DSIR Publishing, Wellington.
The wetland with the stock bridge upper centre above the Shotover River. Photo by Neill Simpson 20 BSO Newsletter 55 November 2008
Meeting and trip reports Bull Creek, 23 August 2008 Bradley Curnow A brilliant winters day greeted those Matai (Prumnopitys taxifolia) and Miro assembled at the Botany car park for (Prumnopitys ferruginea) were also the car journey south. After some spotted along with a large adult wood impromptu off road mud driving we set pigeon that seemed not to mind the off up the track to Bull Creek. We tourists. The Bull Creek ‘waterfall’ was encounter some awesome Podocarpus reached after a slow hour of walking totara clinging to the bank above the and plant grazing. creek and a dicotyledonous herb Linum monogynum. Also in this area were Back along the coast lunch was had Fuchsia excorticata with John overlooking the beautiful blue Pacific, explaining how the world’s largest waves crashing into rocks with the bull Fuchsia has blue pollen, an unusual kelp dancing in the waves. Hebe occurrence in the flora world. The trees elliptica was present along the coast as that many of us came to admire were was Acaena juvenca and A. novae- the southern rata (Metrosideros zelandiae. The botanical find of the umbellata), which must look superb day was a tiny forget-me-not Myosotis when the red flowers are in bloom. pygmaea var. pygmaea, which calls the top of the rocks home. After a few minutes admiring the ratas we started off along a track up the About mid-afternoon we headed back creek to the ‘waterfall’. It felt more like to the big city, which seemed to be the damp West Coast forest, then a such a shame after so nice a day. usually dry East coast, due to the recent Thanks to John Barkla for leading the rains. We saw some cool Horopito trip from George and Otto Hyink, (Pseudowintera colorata) flowers, Bradley Curnow, May Gallagher, Kate which were very photogenic. Juvenile Bernard and Marilyn Barkla.
Bull Creek. Photo by May Gallagher. November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 21
Species List – Bull Creek Reserve John Steel
A Department of Conservation Scenic Reserve c. 75 km, 1 hr 15 min, south of Dunedin on the coast.
Map NSMS 260 H45 Milton 883 440, 170° 07´E 46° 11´S Altitude 20 m
e = exotic o = recorded by Otago Botanical Society field trip.2008. m= recorded MMM field trip 17.x.2008
Fungi Angiosperms
Lichens Dicotyledons
Liverworts om Acaena juvenca om Acaena novaezelandiae m Marchantia berteroana m Aristotelia serrata m Monocloea forsteri m Bellis perennis e m Cardamine debilis Mosses m Carpodetus serratus m Cerastium glomeratum e m Cyathophorum bulbosum m Cirsium arvense e m Echinodium hispidum m Cirsium vulgare e m Clematis paniculata Ferns and lycopods m Coprosma areolata m Coprosma crassifolia m Asplenium appendiculatum m Coprosma lucida m Asplenium flaccidum m Coprosma propinqua m Asplenium gracillimum m Coprosma rhamnoides m Asplenium hookerianum m Coprosma rotundifolia m Asplenium lyallii m Crepis capillaris e m Blechnum chambersii m Cytisus scoparius e m Blechnum colensoi m Digitalis purpurea m Blechnum discolor m Disphyma australe m Blechnum fluviatile om Fuchsia excorticata m Blechnum montanum m Fumaria muralis e m Blechnum procerum m Galium aparine e m Cyathea dealbata m Griselinia littoralis m Cyathea smithii m Hydrocotyle heteromeria m Dicksonia squarrosa m Hypericum androsaemum e m Grammitis billardierei m Hypochaeris radicata e m Histiopteris incisa m Ileostylus micranthus m Huperzia varia m Lamium purpureum e m Hymenophyllum demissum o Linum monogynum m Hymenophyllum rarum m Lupinus arboreus e m Hymenophyllum revolutum m Malus xdomestica e m Leptopteris hymenophylloides m Melicope simplex m Microsorum pustulatum m Melicytus alpinus m Pellaea rotundifolia m Melicytus ramiflorus m Polystichum neozelandicum m Metrosideros diffusa subsp. zerophyllum om Metrosideros umbellata m Polystichum vestitum m Mimulus moschatus m Pteridium esculentum m Muehlenbeckia australis Gymnosperms m Mycelis muralis e om Myosotis pygmaea var. pygmaea om Podocarpus totara m Myrsine australe om Prumnopitys ferrugineus m Nemesia floribunda e om Prumnopitys taxifolius m Olearia avicenniaefolia m Parsonisia heterophylla m Pittosporum eugenioides m Pittosporum ralphii 22 BSO Newsletter 55 November 2008 m Pittosporum tenuifolium m Plantago lanceolata e Monocotyledons m Plantago major e m Plantago raoulii m Agrostis capillaris e m Prunella vulgaris e m Anthoxanthum odoratum e m Pseudopanax colensoi m Arthropodium candidum m Pseudopanax crassifolius m Astelia nervosa om Pseudowintera colorata m Carex coriacea m Ranunculus repens e m Cordyline australis m Rumex obtusifolius e m Dactylis glomerata e m Sambucus nigra e m Earina autumnalis m Senecio biserratus m Earina mucronata m e Senecio jacobaea m Holcus lanatus e m Senecio minimus m Isolepis nodosa m e Solanum dulcamara m Juncus sp. m Solanum laciniatum m Libertia ixioides m e Sonchus oleraceus m Microlaena avenea m Sophora microphylla m Narcissus x medioluteus e m e Stellaria media m Nematoceras orbiculata m Stellaria parviflora m Poa cita m Streblus heterophyllus m Phormium tenax m e Taraxacum officinale m Phormium tenax cvars. m e Trifolium dubium m Ripogonum scandens m e Trifolium repens m Thelymitra sp. m Urtica urens m Uncinia sp. 1 om Veronica elliptica m Uncinia sp. 2 m Veronica salicifolia m Uncinia sp. 3 m Weinmannia racemosa
A wood pigeon on the Bull Creek trip. Photo by May Gallagher. November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 23
Field Trip to Flax collection at Dunedin Botanic Gardens Helen Clarke A first time for a Botanical Society A partial replicate of the Rene Field trip possibly. A powhiri from Orchison collection is planted near the Rua McCallum welcomed a small Otago Polytechnic Centre at the group, led by Janice Lord, on to the Botanic Gardens. Unfortunately the area where the 50 named cultivars from plants in the collection have a tenuous the Rene Orchison future at this site with the proposed Harakeke/Phormium tenax and realignment of Lovelock Avenue Wharariki /Phormium cookianum expected to pass through it. It is not collection are growing in the gardens. known at this stage where the plants will be moved to if the realignment is Following the powhiri, Rua and Debra approved. Carr from Clothing and textile sciences at University of Otago gave us a brief It appears that the plants in the present history of the collection. Rene site are not growing as vigorously as Orchison of Gisborne started a the same cultivars at other sites, collection of harakeke/flax in the 1950s perhaps the cold site is not to their after recognizing that many of the liking. All the plants in the present selected cultivars used by Maori collection are from the North Island craftspeople throughout the North Island were being lost. Rua introduced us to weaving properties of the fronds. She Rene spent over 30 years collecting, demonstrated how to get the and recording information on names whitau/fiber from the fronds. It was and uses of special harakeke cultivars easy to see and feel the different from the different regions in the North properties in strength and softness. I Island. In 1987 she offered her was surprised to hear from Debra that collection to the Department of harakeke whitau is the strongest Scientific and Industrial Research. In vegetable fiber measured in the world. 1992 Manaaki Whenua- Landcare She did point out that Cordyline Research took over stewardship of the australis. Ti has not been measured yet collection. The collection is now and is likely to prove stronger. growing at Manaaki Whenua at Lincoln as part of the National New “Cleaning” the plants regularly, Zealand Flax Collection. The National something that is achieved by weavers Collection is a resource base for as they harvest the plants for material, weavers and researchers, root divisions is not happening at the site. Rua and from cultivars from the collection are Debra both felt that regular cleaning is available for Marae, conservation land important for maintenance of the health and research and educational of the individual plants in the institutions and cultivars continue to be collection. added to the collection. Rua demonstrated traditional cleaning and gathering techniques. Firstly, a 24 BSO Newsletter 55 November 2008
Karakea or prayer to protect the cutter a two-meter wide strip on the South and to pay respect for the life force of edge of the Botanical Gardens. With a the plant. The fronds are cut with a wire fence on one side and a drain and sharp knife, leaving the rito, the three sealed pathway on the other side the fronds in the centre of each fan. The plants have little room to spread but are clean fronds are used for weaving and easily accessible for viewing and the dead and diseased fronds are cleaning. removed. There are tikanga or protocols around cutting, which have The Dunedin Botanic Garden harakeke both spiritual and practical origins. We and wharariki project started in April were required to work within these 2007 funded by a Foundation for tikanga. Research, Science and Technology Te Tipu Puutaiao post-doctoral fellowship. Traditionally any material not used for It is due to finish by April 2010. weaving was returned to the base of the plants but now for disease control the The aim of the project is to discover fronds are disposed of by composting more of the distinctiveness of the in another place or burnt and the ashes Dunedin Botanic Gardens Collection. returned to the site. Researching both written and oral history of the collection, identifying The Dunedin Collection. and documenting the characteristics of We then moved on to the main feature each individual plant and measuring of the day, which was the work Debra the strength and properties of the and Rua are involved in with Bronwyn whitau/fiber of each plant. Where Lowe from Clothing and Textile appropriate, it is planned with Ngai sciences at Otago University. Tom Tahu to develop a whakapapa/identity, Myers from the Botanical Gardens is geneology for the cultivars based on also part of the team. The project is the knowledge obtained and it is planned Dunedin Botanic Garden harakeke and to name the individual cultivars. wharariki project. The research is The planned realignment of Lovelock based on a flax collection donated to Avenue will pass right through the site the Dunedin Botanic gardens about where the 109 plants are and it is 1909 by Mr Matthews a Dunedin expected that on about August 25th horticulturalist. The collection was 2008 they will be moved. Rua, originally planted in the lower garden Bronwyn and Debra are coordinating but was moved up to the Lovelock Ave the transplanting of the plants along the sites in 1922-23. The collection is not edge of the path to various Otago based well catalogued and or documented and users of cultural material and others. It information has been lost with each is expected that about 4000 fans will be translocation. However, the collection moved. I put my name on four different is considered to be valuable as it may cultivars and maybe other members did contain unique Te Waipounamu /South as well. Island cultivars. There are presently 109 plants from his collection in about November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 25
So with our new skills and knowledge cooking and travelling. Floating we “cleaned” many of the plants to vessels were made from the flower help in the preparation for moving. stalks and the sugar from the flowers Most of the undamaged fronds were was a sweetener. On top of all this the destined for weavers in the city but a gelatinous sap pia, easily extracted few of us learnt how to make a putiputi from the base of the frond was used to or flax flower from a frond. And we treat burns and abrasions. There are left the day feeling we had helped a many other recorded medicinal uses for little with an important project. example in poultices for boils, arthritis and tumors, and as a liquid as a Impressions of the day laxative and or for treating diarrhea. Of It was interesting to focus away from course in more recent time Maori the ecological and botanical aspects of traded flax with the European settlers the plants and consider their place and by the start of last century within a cultural and social context. Harakeke fiber was New Zealand’s Phormium tenax in particular must biggest exporter. Flax Mills were have been such a life saver for early common in any area that had a good Maori and it is no wonder it was, and supply. still is, so valued and treasured. The fibers, easily stripped from the fronds So, what of the future of the Dunedin provided so much for clothing, Botanical Garden Harakeke and footwear, shelter, warmth and comfort. wharariki collection? Despite the need They helped to provide food, snares for to move many of the plants it will catching birds, fishing line and nets for continue. We look forward to hearing catching fish and of course from the more about the Dunedin collection treated fronds baskets for storage and once the project is completed
Janice Lord bundling up cut flax. Photo by John Barkla. 26 BSO Newsletter 55 November 2008
June Meeting – Talk by Dr Lisa Russell on the expanding range of Undaria in Southern New Zealand John Barkla Lisa began by describing the process species, changes to marine ecosystems, and consequences of invasion in the and economic impacts. marine environment. One major difficulty is the identification of Various control measures have been invasive marine species. In 2004 it used and have included manual was predicted that 148 marine species eradication, hot water treatment, and (animals and seaweeds) have been the use of polythene coverings. It was introduced into New Zealand over the successfully eradicated from a vessel last 200 years equating to 1.4 that sank off the Chatham Islands. species/year. It is believed that 96 % of Lisa then discussed the spread of these have arrived through shipping. Undaria in New Zealand since its Lisa then described the main lines of introduction to Wellington in 1987. It biosecurity work aimed at dealing with has spread through the South Island these problems. These include ports and as far south as the Snares Island and harbour surveys (baseline list of and there is evidence of northwards species), a marine invasive species spread in the North Island. Lisa’s own taxonomic service, surveillance, and research was based around the question vector management (monitoring of whether Undaria can invade wave- movements of boats). exposed sites. She showed maps of its We then learned about one particular spread through the Otago Harbour marine invader, the seaweed Undaria since its introduction in 1990 and pinnatifida, native to Japan, Korea and graphically showed that it was now China, but now established in throughout most of the harbour. temperate coastal regions of the Unfortunately it is also present at northern and southern hemispheres. several wave-exposed sites north of It’s rated in the top five of the world’s Otago Harbour. The only good news is worst 100 invasive species. Undaria that it is not yet present in the Catlins has a high growth rate of 1.4 cm/day or in Fiordland. and takes just 50 days to reproductive In conclusion Lisa reiterated that maturity. It has a bi-phasic life history, Undaria is escaping from initial which has been an important factor in founding sites, has a broader niche than helping its dispersal between native kelp, can establish reproductive hemispheres by way of transportation populations in locations subjected to of the microscopic gametophytic stage significant wave action, and is likely to in ship ballast. There are no have profound effects on marine morphologically similar species in communities. Thanks for a stimulating New Zealand and possible impacts presentation with a timely and include the displacement of native cautionary message.
November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 27
Trip Report Allison Knight Berwick Bogs and Bits of Forest, 28 September 2008 For the few who made the effort to height as the altitude increased. Finally front up at the body clock equivalent of we were up into extensive tussock 7 am on a fine Sunday morning, John land, recently over-planted in pine. Steel led an extraordinary trip to There, down in a boggy basin just hidden gems not normally accessible. below Reidpath Rd, was a scruffy- After passing through kilometres of looking area that John regards as the Berwick pine plantation and several greatest botanical treasure of the locked gates John guided us down Berwick Forest Wenita estate. Once he Halfway Road to a jewel of a podocarp enlightened us, we could see that laid forest remnant. This was once a public out before us were fine examples of Forest Service amenity, enhanced with three different raised bog communities, a picnic site and interpretative nature slowly built up over centuries. walks, but now falling into sad disrepair. After jumping the deeply cut perimeter stream and negotiating our way First off we tackled the track on the through lumpy Carex spp sedges we slope above the picnic area. Discovery came to the raised Empodisma of a rare photosymbiodeme of the minus/Sphagnum cristatum foliose lichen Pseudocyphellaria community, continually growing rufovirescens, with lobes containing upwards on its own detritus. A little green algae projecting from the grey further in was a spectacular lichen bog cyanobacterial lobes, encouraged me to community showing clearly the start adding more lichens to John’s differences between the beautiful species list. Others marvelled over the perforate Cladia retipora and the mix of mature podocarps, and debated darker Cladia sullivanii; as well as the the finer points of distinguishing matai confusingly branched cream Cladonia from miro. Thelotrema lepadinum, a confusa and the whiter Cladonia mitis. lichen indicator of old growth forest On firmer ground towards the middle with high conservation value, was woody plants were starting to come in. noted. Then we explored the There were several Veronica species, overgrown track down into the forested including V. odora (how sad to lose all gully. It was astonishing how different our familiar Hebes!), and the stunted the plant community there was from bog pine, Halocarpus bidwillii. that on the upper slope. Even the rich lichen communities showed quite While John pondered what to do about different compositions. his flat battery I investigated a shady roadside bank dominated by colonising Lunch in the sun was followed by a and stabilising lichens and mosses. drive onward and upward, through Luckily jumper leads saved the day and more locked gates and many more provided a happy ending to a very hectares of pines, which lessened in rewarding trip. Additions to John’s 28 BSO Newsletter 55 November 2008 species lists include 2 fungi, 63 lichens, plants. mosses and liverworts and vascular
Reidpath Road Bog John Steel Upper Berwick Forest – Wenita Forestry Site, Berk 116. UPBE1 - East of Reidpath Road north its intersection with Banishiel Road. NZMS 260 H44 Milton 712 738 169° 55' E 45° 54' S 600 m. Visited with Otago Botanical Society 28.ix.2008c
Species list
Fungi: Liverworts: Amanita muscaria Austrofossombronia australis Dacrymyces stillata Marchantia berteroana Suillus granulatus Riccardia exilis Lichens: Mosses: Baeomyces heteromorphus Breutelia pendula Buellia griseovirens Bryum laevigatum Caloplaca ferruginea Hypnum cupressiforme Caloplaca subpyracea Ptychomnion aciculare Cladia aggregata Sphagnum cristatum Cladia retipora Cladia sullivanii Ferns and fern allies: Cladonia confusa Blechnum montanum Cladonia mitis Blechnum penna-marina var. alpina Cladonia tessellata Blechnum procerum Haematomma babingtonii Gleichenia dicarpa var. alpina Hypogymnia lugubris Histiopteris incisa Hypogymnia subphysodes Hypolepis millefolium Lecanora caesiorubella Lycopodium fastigiatum Lecanora symmicata Polystichum vestitum Lecidella elaeochroma Pteridium esculentum Menegazzia neozelandica Menegazzia pertransita Gymnosperms: Menegazzia subpertusa Halocarpus bidwillii Omphalina alpina Pinus contorta e Parmelia cuninghamii Pinus radiata e Parmelina labrosa Parmelinopsis cf. swinscowii Dicotyledons: Placopsis gelida Acaena novae-zelandiae Porpidia crustulata Anaphaloides bellidioides Ramalina glaucescens Anisotome aromatica Ramalina unilateralis Callitriche stagnalis Stereocaulon corticulatum Celmisia gracilenta Stereocaulon ramulosum Cerastium fontanum e Teloschistes velifer Cerastium semidecandrum e Usnea cf. inermis Chaerophyllum ramosum Usnea cornuta Cirsium vulgare e Usnea inermis Colobanthus strictus Xanthoria parietina Coprosma cheesemanii November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 29
Coprosma ciliata Trifolium repens e Coprosma dumosa Veronica odora Coprosma propinqua Viola cunninghamii Coprosma rubra Viola lyallii Crepis capillaris e Wahlenbergia albo-marginata Cyathodes pumila Monocotyledons: Dracophyllum longifolium Dracophyllum prostratum Agrostis capillaris e Drosera arcturi Agrostis muscosa Epilobium alsinoides Anthoxanthum odoratum e Epilobium ciliatum e Aporostylis bifolia Forstera tenella Astelia nivicola Galium perpusillum Carex coriacea Gaultheria depressa Carex secta var. secta Gaultheria macrostigma Carex secta var. tenuiculmis Gentianella bellidifolia Chiloglottis cornuta Geranium microphyllum Chinochloa rigida Gnaphalium limosum Chionochloa rubra var. cuprea Gonocarpus micranthus Cortaderia richardii Gunnera monoica Corybas sp. Helichrysum filicaule Eleocharis acuta Hieracium pilosella e Empodisma minus Hydrocotyle heteromeria Festuca rubra Hydrocotyle tripartita Glyceria fluitans Hypochaeris radicata e Herpolirion novae-zelandiae Leontodon autumnalis e Hierochloë novae-zelandiae Mycelis muralis e Holcus lanatus e Nertera depressa Isolepis cernua Olearia lineata Juncus articulatus e Ozothamnus leptophyllus Juncus novae-zelandiae Pentachondra pumila Luzula rufa Ranunculus foliosus Oreobolus pectinatus Ranunculus glabrifolius Poa cita Senecio biserratus Potamogeton cheesemanii Senecio minimus Rytidosperma sp. Stellaria alsine Thelymitra sp. Stellaria parviflora Uncinia rubra
Moira Parker cleaning flax on the flax garden field trip. Photo by John Barkla. 30 BSO Newsletter 55 November 2008
The Flora of the Forties and Fifties, a talk by Lorna Little on 16th July 2008 Moira Parker Lorna Little was one of five Enderby Subantarctic islands, has forests of Scholarship students to visit the Southern rata, Metrosideros umbellata, Subantarctic with Heritage Expeditions which is the same species that grows in this year. The 72 m ship carried 48 the South Island. Enderby Island, a passengers and 27 Russian crew on an small island north of the main 8-day voyage to Campbell, Auckland, Auckland Island, looked magnificent Enderby and the Snares Islands. with a veil of red rata flowers covering the forest canopy. Lorna described The 36-hour sea voyage from Bluff walking on this island, only 10 km gave time for lectures and talks about around the perimeter, as a fantastic the Subantarctic, at least for those experience. As well as the magnificent passengers who felt well enough. The Stillbocarpa polaris with its huge first port of call was Campbell Island, rhubarb like leaves, there were a few and a walk in the glacial valleys to see parakeets to be seen. the colourful megaherbs, including the endemic daisies of the Pleurophyllum The next stop was the Snares Islands, genus and the gentian Gentianella where to prevent pests reaching them, antarctica. In the afternoon, there was landing is not permitted. In calm the thrill of walking among the large weather the islands can be explored in colony Southern Royal albatrosses. Naiad inflatable boats. The thick However, a 6-hour walk, the next day leaved tree daisy Olearia lyallii was required strong nerves in order to seen along the shoreline. Bird life was negotiate the many New Zealand sea abundant, as the islands are a breeding lions along the track. Lorna ground for the sooty shearwater and commented that no one had told the home to the Buller’s mollymawk and sealions about the “6 metre rule” – this the comical looking Snares crested is the guideline that humans should penguin. abide by when viewing the wildlife. As well as the numerous sea lions, there Eight days after leaving Bluff, Lorna were giant petrels and the glorious pink was cruising past Stewart Island on her flowers of Anisotome latifolia. return home. Her enthusiasm for these remote islands was evident during her Lorna admitted to one episode of sea stimulating talk. Thank you, Lorna for sickness during the 8 day voyage, and telling us about your exciting trip. I’m that was during the rough trip between sure there were a few members in your the Campbell and Auckland Islands. audience who dream of making this Auckland Island, the largest of the once in a lifetime voyage.
November 2008 BSO Newsletter 55 31
Botanical Society of Otago: PO Box 6214, North Dunedin 9059, NZ Patron: Audrey Eagle http://www.botany.otago.ac.nz/bso/
Committee 2008–2009 Chairman: John Barkla [email protected] Secretary: Allison Knight [email protected] Treasurer: Lyn Bentley [email protected] Communications: Robyn Bridges [email protected] Program Manager, Trips: Mike Thorsen [email protected] Web & Newsletter editor: David Orlovich [email protected] Committee: Bastow Wilson [email protected] Abe Gray [email protected] Mascha Bischoff [email protected] Lorna Little [email protected] Christina Lister [email protected]
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